Dr. Loleta Foster: A Longtime Community Member Who Builds Key Relationships

When Dr. Loleta Foster first moved to Fayetteville in 1973, she saw the potential in then-named Methodist College.

“It was this little school on the other side of the city,” Foster recalled. “It seemed like it was out in the middle of nowhere because there were hardly any buildings or restaurants along Ramsey Street. But I saw the promise and wanted to make a difference.”

Foster, a trusted psychologist in the Fayetteville area, moved away in 1979 and returned in 1982 – ready to make a difference. While she has served on a variety of community boards during her time in Fayetteville, she first joined Methodist College’s visitor board in 1991. Ultimately, it led to her appointment on the Board of Trustees in 1993 – a position she proudly served for 30 years. She remains in great service to the University as a Trustee Emeritus.

One of Foster’s most fond memories on the board was her involvement in the unanimous name change of Methodist College to Methodist University in 2006.

“I still remember that meeting to this very day. It started a new history at Methodist University,” she recalled.

As a trustee, Foster spent time on the academic affairs committee and the student affairs committee – overseeing the progress done in both areas over the years.

“I had a chance to work with and be a voice for faculty,” said Foster. “But I’m most proud of the growth of the health sciences programs. We went from not having much to now having Physician Assistant Studies, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and the incoming medical school. Also, the significant rise of the PGA Golf Management program.”

On top of her service on the MU Board of Trustees, Foster also established an endowed scholarship and is a financial sponsor of the University’s General Shelton Leadership Camp. All of it is a testament to her loyalty to MU– utilizing her talents as a relationship builder.

“Everything in life is about relationships,” Foster said. “My work as a psychologist has encouraged me to try to strengthen communication and team building. If we can continue to get people to work together, we can continue to make a difference at Methodist University.”

Whether you are a student, faculty member, alumna/alumnus, or you see the potential in Methodist University like Foster did, now is the perfect time to become loyal.

“We often don’t realize how sharing our talents can make a difference in people’s lives,” Foster said. “I was able to help and there are so many other opportunities to create change because there are so many needs. MU has taught me that if you give people the opportunity, they can make a difference.”